Conclusions
-
1.
Experimental acute intestinal distention in nembutalized dogs caused a reflex inhibition of the bile flow. Intraenteric pressures of 20 and 40 mm. of mercury resulted in a decrease in the bile flow of 7 to 42 per cent below the control level.
-
2.
A decrease in the portal blood flow and oxygen supply to the liver produced by distention of the entire intestine to pressures of 70 mm. of mercury caused a further decrease in bile flow in 4 of our dogs. Oxygen therapy lessened this inhibition in all of the dogs treated.
-
3.
Nervous reflex inhibition of the flow of urine did not occur upon distention of the small intestine to pressures of 20, 40, 60 and 90 mm. of mercury. An increase in urine flow from 11 to 81 per cent occurred. This was attributed to an increased blood flow through the kidneys.
-
4.
The blood pressure was not significantly altered by distention of the small intestine.
-
5.
The depth of respiration was decreased and the rate was increased by distention. Oxygen therapy decreased the respiratory rate and lessened the depression of bile flow produced by distention of the small intestine.
-
6.
Inhibitory nervous reflexes, decreased blood flow and anoxemia probably are factors involved in decreasing liver function and thereby make the liver more susceptible to damage in cases of intestinal distention.
-
7.
Inhibition of liver function probably precedes inhibition of kidney function in the hepatorenal syndrome of intestinal obstruction.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Orr, Thomas G. and Helwig, F. C.: Liver Trauma and the Hepa- torenal Syndrome.Ann. Surg., 110:628, 1939.
Wilensky, A. O.: Occurrence, Distribution and Pathogenesis of So-Called Liver Death and/or the Hepatorenal Syndrome.Arch. Surg., 3:625, 1939.
Helwig, F. C. and Shutz, C. B.: A Liver Kidney Syndrome.S. G. O., 55:570, 1932.
Schutz, C. B., Helwig, F. C. and Kuhn, H. P.: Contribution to Study of So-Called Liver Death.J. A. M. A., 99:633, 1932.
Boyce, F. F. and McFetridge, E. M.: So-Called “Liver Death.”Arch. Surg., 31:105, 1935.
Touroff, A. S.: Unrecognized Post-operative Infection a Cause of the Syndrome of So-Called “Liver Shock.”S. G. O., 62:941, 1936.
Tanturi, C. A. and Ivy, A. C.: On the Existence of Secretory Nerves in the Vagi and the Reflex Excitation and Inhibition of Bile Secretion.Am. J. Physiol., 121:270, 1938.
Goldman, L. and Ivy, A. C.: The Effect of Distention of the Colon and Stimulation of Its Nerve Supply on the Flow of Bile from the Liver.Trans. Am. Surg. Ass’n., 7:266, 1939.
Wangensteen, O. H.: Bowel Obstructions. C. C. Thomas Co., Springfield, Illinois, p. 21, 1937.
Blaloek, A. and Mason, M. F.: Observations on the Blood Flow and Gaseous Metabolism of the Liver of Unanesthetized Dogs.Am. J. Physiol., 117:328, 1936.
McMichael, J.: The Oxygen Supply of the Liver.Quart. J. of Exp. Physiol., 27:73, 1937.
Schnedorf, J. G. and Ivy, A. C. : Unpublished data.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
From the Department of Surgery and the Hixon Laboratory of Medicrl Research, University of Kansas Hospitals.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Schnedorf, J.G., Orr, T.G. The effect of small intestinal distention upon bile and urine flow—its possible relationship to the hepatorenal syndrome. American Journal of Digestive Diseases 8, 303–306 (1941). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02998332
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02998332